Texas Father Condemns Camp Mystic’s Reopening After Daughter’s Tragic Death in Floods
TEXAS — A grieving Texas father is calling out the owners of Camp Mystic after the girls’ camp announced plans to reopen next year — just months after a devastating July 4th flood claimed the lives of 27 people, including his 18-year-old daughter, Chloe Childress.
In a powerful op-ed published by the Houston Chronicle, Chloe’s father, Matthew Childress, accused the camp’s owners, the Eastland family, of being “insensitive and profit-driven” in their decision to move forward with business as usual.
“I recently had to explain to my 15-year-old son, who is now an only child, that the camp where his big sister was killed just announced plans to reopen,” Childress wrote.
According to Childress, the Eastland family emailed parents of the deceased girls to inform them that the camp’s Cypress Lake facility would reopen and that a memorial would be created to honor what they’ve called the “Heaven’s 27.”
Parents Say They Were Not Consulted
The father says parents were blindsided by the decision. Just two hours after the message about the memorial, Camp Mystic reportedly sent a second email to alumni and campers announcing plans to rebuild and re-enroll for Summer 2026.
“Let me be clear,” Childress wrote. “We parents of ‘Heaven’s 27’ were not asked about the camp reopening. We were not asked about a memorial for our children.”
He said the message felt like a painful reminder that their daughters’ lives — and the systemic failures that led to their deaths — had been brushed aside.
Remembering Chloe and the “Heaven’s 27”
Chloe Childress was among the dozens killed when historic floods struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, overwhelming Camp Mystic’s riverside cabins. Many victims were trapped as water levels rose overnight, leaving families with little communication or evacuation warning.
Childress and other parents have since demanded accountability and transparency from both the camp’s leadership and local officials, questioning why safety measures were not strengthened after years of documented flood risks in the area.
“My daughter trusted the adults responsible for her safety,” Childress said. “Now, those same adults want to reopen the camp without acknowledging the full truth of what happened.”
Families Seek Reform, Not Reopening
The Childress family has joined other grieving parents in forming a coalition to advocate for new safety regulations for Texas youth camps, including stricter floodplain management, emergency communication standards, and staff accountability during severe weather.
While Camp Mystic’s owners have pledged to rebuild and honor the victims with a memorial, many parents — including Childress — say reopening feels premature and disrespectful.
“This isn’t about vengeance,” he said. “It’s about ensuring no other family ever has to experience what we have.”
As Camp Mystic moves forward with its plans for Summer 2026, the families of the victims say their fight is far from over — and their mission is now one of remembrance, reform, and justice.
For ongoing coverage of Texas flood recovery and camp safety reforms, follow NapervilleLocal.com.
Author: Tanya Williams Category: Local News
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.